In May 2010, three former directors of what is now Oryx Energies struck out on their own, launching international trading company Augusta Energy.

They were joined by former colleagues to develop a book to trade petroleum products in Africa.

From six original employees, operations in two countries and a debut transaction involving 10,000 tonnes of gasoil, Augusta now employs about 40 people, has operational centres in Geneva and Dubai, and trades in more than 20 African countries.